MA, MS in Biochemistry and Biophysics

The Biochemistry and Biophysics graduate program in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics grants primarily PhD degrees, but also offers thesis and non thesis master's degrees. We offer a broad range of research topics through the faculty within the department, those associated with the Linus Pauling Institute, and affiliate faculty from other departments throughout Oregon State University. Research interests of the faculty in the graduate program include cancer biology, aging, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease), heart and spinal cord development and disease, mouse transgenics, atherosclerosis, protein and nucleic acid structure and function, DNA modification and epigenetics, cell signaling, oxidative stress, micronutrients, bioinformatics, and biosensors. Objectives and outcomes specific to Biochemistry and Biophysics M.S. include: 1) Learn the vocabulary and conceptually understand at an advanced level the biochemical processes by which cells break down organic molecules and trap some of the released energy in the form of reactive nucleotides; use the reactive nucleotides to drive the synthesis of building blocks (sugars, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides) from simpler precursors; assemble the building blocks into macromolecular structures specified by nucleic acid sequence information. 2) Learn the theoretical and technical basis for biophysical definition and determination of macromolecular structure. 3) Learn to critically review primary research articles in biochemistry and biophysics 4) Learn how to design and interpret experiments, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge in the fields of biochemistry and biophysics 5) Develop an awareness of ethical responsibilities when conducting and reporting research, and reviewing the research of others.